First Contact Practitioner Service

This service is for patients who are suffering from joint or muscle pain. If you have a problem that affects your neck, back, joints or muscles you are able to directly see a First Contact Practitioner (FCP) instead of a GP.

What is a First Contact Practitioner (FCP)?

An experienced physiotherapist who has the advanced skills necessary to assess, diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment for problems that affect your neck, back, joints or muscles. They act as your first point of contact and offer advice and referrals for further treatment and scans.

Why see an FCP instead of a GP?

Around one in five people book in to see their doctor with a neck, back, joint or muscle problem, and often have to wait for a GP referral to get access to physiotherapy advice for their conditions. Seeing an FCP gives you the opportunity to see the right person at the right time. The expertise of the FCP means that you will have quicker access to the treatment you need.